Despite the largely poor reviews Hagel received, President Obama still believes he will be confirmed as Defense secretary, Carney said. “The president believes that Sen. Hagel will make an excellent secretary of Defense and that he will be confirmed,” he said.

In defending Hagel, Carney called the harsh questioning the Nebraskan faced from Republicans – particularly Sen. John McCain, whose position on the Iraq war Carney discussed at length Friday.

“The news clips that have dominated TV reporting on this … largely represent badgering by questioners over issues like why did you disagree with me over Iraq?” Carney said.